IOWA CITY — Jermain Davis set the tone for Iowa's 73-57 romp over Iowa State Friday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The former Southeastern Community College guard scored the Hawkeyes' first eight points and finished the game with 16 points.
"He gave us energy," forward Cyrus Tate said.
"He sure did," coach Todd Lickliter said. "He's been playing well."
Davis, making his third start, was active from the time the game started, driving to the basket as Iowa State's defense was more worried about stopping freshman guard Matt Gatens and sophomore guard Jake Kelly.
"We rolled the dice," Iowa State coach Greg McDermott said. "Jermain got loose, and made some plays."
Davis said rivalry games such as this one are fun.
"That's why you play them," he said. "You've got to come out with a lot of fire."
Lickliter has been impressed with Davis' consistency.
"He's been playing well, and it's fun to watch guys who don't get caught up in what their role is," Lickliter said. "They just want to contribute. I have a lot of confidence in Jermain."
Davis wasn't the only one to make key contributions.
• Junior guard Devan Bawinkel went 4-of-5 in 3-point shooting and finished with 12 points.
• Sophomore forward Jarryd Cole logged a season-high 14 minutes, scoring two points and getting three rebounds.
It was another team effort for a group that has certainly bought into Lickliter's system.
BIG CROWD
Attendance was listed at a season-high 12,125.
"We had a terrific crowd," Lickliter said. "And I hope they go out and spread the word about how much fun this was."
The players certainly fed off the energy.
"Any time you can pack Carver-Hawkeye Arena, it's going to give you a lift," Kelly said.
STAR POWER
Olympic gold-medal gymnast Shawn Johnson and actors Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore were on hand as part of a night of flood relief effort by cable provider Mediacom.
The three sat in the TV press area at courtside, and looked to be having fun during the game.
During one timeout, Hy-Vee promotional segments featuring Johnson were shown on the video screen. Johnson covered her eyes during the segments.
Kutcher and Moore, along with Johnson, stood and clapped with the Iowa fight song throughout the game.
Kutcher also joined many of the fans who gave a standing ovation when long-time radio announcer Bob Brooks was wished a happy birthday by Iowa's PA announcer.